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How Many Nights Should You Cruise the Nile?

Comparing the 4-day, 5-day and 8-day guided programmes, so you pick the right length for your trip.

The short answer

Most travellers spend three to seven nights cruising the Nile, and every one of our programmes pairs the sailing with guided tours and all meals on board. Short on time? The four-day Osiris Odyssey covers the essentials. Want a slower, more complete journey? The eight-day Amun Adventure is the one. Here is how the three compare.

Osiris Odyssey: 4 days, 3 nights

The Osiris Odyssey is our most popular short cruise. In four days you see the headline sites of Luxor and Aswan, including Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Kom Ombo, all with a licensed Egyptologist. It is ideal if you are combining the cruise with Cairo or have a week or less in Egypt. From $1,199 per person.

Horus Holiday: 5 days, 4 nights

The Horus Holiday adds a day and a night to the same classic route, so you travel at a gentler pace with a little more time at each temple and on the sun deck. From $1,399 per person.

Amun Adventure: 8 days, 7 nights

The Amun Adventure is the complete round-trip experience. Seven nights aboard means you see everything the shorter cruises do, plus more time in Aswan and Luxor, room for add-ons such as Abu Simbel, and the most relaxed rhythm of all. From $1,699 per person.

Which should you choose?

If your main goal is the temples and you are tight on time, choose the Osiris Odyssey or Horus Holiday. If the cruise is the heart of your trip and you want to truly unwind, choose the Amun Adventure. Either way, check the best time to sail and read about life aboard the M/S City & Sea Adonis first. Planning to see Cairo too? See how many days you need in Egypt, or browse the full Nile cruise guide.

From $1,199
Good to know
  • Shortest: Osiris Odyssey, 4 days
  • Longest: Amun Adventure, 8 days
  • Route: Luxor to Aswan
  • Every programme: Guided tours + full board
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 nights enough for a Nile cruise?

Yes. The 4-day, 3-night Osiris Odyssey covers the essential temples of Luxor and Aswan with a guide, which is plenty for a first visit or a cruise paired with a few days in Cairo.

What is the difference between the programmes?

Mainly length and pace. All three follow the classic Luxor to Aswan route with guided excursions and full-board dining; the longer programmes simply give you more nights aboard and more time at each site.

Can I add Abu Simbel or a hot air balloon?

Yes. Optional excursions such as Abu Simbel and a sunrise hot air balloon over Luxor can be added to any programme. Just ask our team when you book.

Not sure which cruise is right?